Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The outrageous slur by Senator Conroy against Lieutenant General Angus Campbell marks a new low in senatorial hearings. General Campbell represents the very best of our military, which he has served loyally and apolitically for 34 years. In a former life, I worked closely with General Campbell, and I have personal knowledge of his great ability, quality and character. I am fortunate to call him my friend.

Like all of us, Senator Conroy is entitled to his personal views and ambitions, but he is not entitled to use parliamentary privilege to besmirch the reputation of a military officer who has served Australia with such distinction. General Campbell is undertaking a difficult job that the Chief of the Defence Force selected him to do. He is doing that job with professionalism and diligence. The boats have stopped for 10 weeks now, and General Campbell has made a significant contribution to that most encouraging outcome.

Angus Campbell is in his fourth decade of unbroken service to our nation. He has earned the right to a modicum of respect, particularly from this parliament, in which decency and respect is the anticipated norm. The general would never ask for it, but he does deserve a full and public apology from Mr Conroy. I call upon the Leader of the Opposition to stiffen Mr Conroy's spine and to compel or support him to do the right thing: to apologise in full and in a manner that is appropriately contrite and respectful.